Baltimore Police officer seen in viral video chasing man in his cruiser receives trial date

A Baltimore Police officer captured in a viral video chasing and then striking a man with his patrol cruiser is set to stand trial on Aug. 18 on charges including attempted murder.

Officer Robert Parks appeared on Friday before Baltimore Circuit Judge Melissa M. Phinn with his attorney, Chaz Ball, to schedule the case. The trial could last five days.

Parks, 32, who’s been with the department for more than six years, is charged with attempted second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, misconduct in office and reckless driving.

On Oct. 28, 2025, Parks drove to Wylie Liquors Bar in Northwest Baltimore and told people standing on the sidewalk, “It’s getting a little hot, guys. I just need you guys to take a lap, you know,” prosecutors reported.

They walked off. Parks then followed Antrell Smith and asked him to come over to his patrol vehicle, prosecutors allege, stating, “Don’t make it worse. I’m going to be straight up with you. I’m going to be straight up with you. You gotta come.”

Smith declined and turned to walk away, and Parks responded, “All right, I’m gonna call the dogs and come get you,” prosecutors assert.

What unfolded next was captured in the video posted to social media.

Parks directly drove at Smith and almost ran him over.

At one point, Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates has said, Parks struck Smith with his cruiser.

Smith continued to run, and Parks pursued him, turning on the sirens and honking the horn. During the chase, Parks crashed into the yard of a nearby home.

Parks is on home detention while he awaits trial. He’s suspended without pay.